Article- 05 [Converted]. eps

Classification of fingerprints
A) Loops (about 60--70%): (a) Radial (b) Ulnar
B) Whorls (about 25--35%): (a) Concentric (b) Spiral (c) 
Double spiral (d) Almond shape
C) Arches (about 6--7%): (a) Plain (b) Tented (c) 
Exceptional
D) Composite (about 1--2%): (a) Central pocket loops (b) 
Lateral pocket loops (c) Twinned loops 
E) Accidentals
35-41
Development of fingerprint in intrauterine life
Fingerprints are formed by the development of primary and 
secondary ridges in the palms and fingers in intrauterine 
life at first four months of gestation which was described 
by Bonnevie in 1924
42
, Schaeuble in 1932
43
, Gould in 
1948
44
, Hirsch in 1973
45
, Okajima in 1975
46
, Babler in 
1991
47 
and 
Kucken in 2004
48
. 
Cummins
49 
described that primary ridges develop first, 
followed by secondary ridge development or the 
occurrence of furrows between the papillary ridges. It is 
clearly documented and accepted that there is a link 
between the ridge pattern and anatomical structures called 
volar pads which are protuberances of tissue that begin to 
form on the tips of the fingers that form at about 7
th
week 
at the fingertips, on the distal part of palm between the 
digits and thenar and hypothenar regions. Volar pads 
become less prominent after 10
th
week of gestation and 
disappear in human embryos. 
According to Kucken et al
50
, at 10
th
to 11
th
weeks, 
embryonic volar skin consists of layered epidermis on top 
of the more amorphous fibrous dermis where the basal 
layer of epidermis interfacing the dermis shows shallow 
projections and undulated to the dermis. These projections 
quickly become more prominent and form folds of the 
epidermis into the dermis which is termed as primary 
ridges. These primary ridges form the future fingerprint 
pattern which becomes established at 16
th
week. 
Hale
51 
described that primary ridge formation ceases and 
secondary ridges begin to form as sweat gland anlagen to 
develop along the apices of the primary ridges at uniform 
intervals. At this time epidermal ridges first begin to appear 
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January 2017
J Enam Med Col Vol 7 No 1

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January 2017
on the volar surfaces. Around 24
th
week of gestation, 
dermal papillae are reported to develop, characteristics 
of the definite dermal ridges are progressively formed.